Stabilizing apparatus for a trailer or like vehicle

ABSTRACT

Apparatus mountable to the frame of a trailer or a like vehicle for stabilizing and leveling the trailer when parked. The stabilizing and leveling apparatus includes a pair of jacks, each having a housing part and a power-actuated pod which projects from one end of the housing part and which is shiftable between a ground-engaging extended position and a retracted position. The jacks are adapted for mounting on opposite sides of the trailer frame, with each jack having its housing part pivotally connected to the trailer frame so as to be swingable between stored and operative positions. Cable means are provided for causing movement of the jacks between stored and operative positions. An actuator adapted for mounting to the trailer at a convenient and accessible location is provided and includes parts connected to the cable means which, upon actuation, cause a shifting of the cable means and the movement of the jacks between stored and operative positions. The actuator also includes power delivery means, such as a hydraulic pump, operatively connected to each jack to cause extension of the jack pod when the jack is in its operative position and to cause retraction of the pod in preparation to place the jack in its stored position.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Milo E. Miller 1016 S. 14th St.,Goshen, 1nd. 46526 [21 1 Appl. No. 848,848 [22] Filed Sept. 11, 1969{45] Patented June 29, 1971 [54] STABILIZING APPARATUS FOR A TRAILER 0RLIKE VEHICLE 9 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl. 280/1505, 254/86 [51] lnt.Cl 860s 9/10 [50] Field of Search280/150 A. 150 C, 150 D, 150.5, 43.19, 43.23; 254/86 [56] ReferencesCited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,313,087 8/1919 Hartwick 254/86 2,229,6531/1941 Hohl 280/1505 2,240,430 4/1941 Willard 254/86 2,736,568 2/1956Martin 280/43.19 2,774,606 12/1956 Burweger et al 280/1505 FOREIGNPATENTS 440,528 10/1948 Italy 254/86 Primary Examiner-Kenneth H. BettsAssistan! Examiner--Winst0n l-I. Douglas Attorney-Oltsch & KnoblockABSTRACT: Apparatus mountable to the frame of a trailer or a likevehicle for stabilizing and leveling the trailer when parked. Thestabilizing and leveling apparatus includes a pair of jacks, each havinga housing part and a power-actuated pod which projects from one end ofthe housing part and which is shiftable between a ground-engagingextended position and a retracted position. The jacks are adapted formounting on opposite sides of the trailer frame, with each jack havingits housing part pivotally connected to the trailer frame so as to beswingable between stored and operative positions. Cable means areprovided for causing movement of the jacks between stored and operativepositions. An actuator adapted for mounting to the trailer at aconvenient and accessible location is provided and includes partsconnected to the cable means which, upon actuation, cause a shifting ofthe cable means and the movement of the jacks between stored andoperative positions. The actuator also includes power delivery means,such as a hydraulic pump, operatively connected to each jack to causeextension of the jacl; pod when the jack is in its operative positionand to cause retraction of the pod in preparation to place the jack inits stored position.

PATENTEUJUNZSIHYI 8589748 SHEET 2 OF 3 x Q INVHNIHA. MILO E. M/LLERSTABILIZING APPARATUS FOR A TRAILER OR LIKE VEHICLE SUMMARY OF THEINVENTION This invention relates to apparatus which is mountable toframe of a trailer or similar vehicle and which is utilized to stabilizeand level the trailer when parked.

The stabilizing and leveling apparatus of this invention includes a pairof jacks, each having a housing part and a poweractuated pod whichprojects from one end of said housing part and which is shiftablebetween a ground-engaging extended position and a retracted position.The jacks are adapted for attachment to opposite sides of the trailerwith each jack having its housing part pivotally connected to thetrailer frame so as to be swingable between stored and operativepositions. Flexible connector means, such as wire cable, engages eachjack at a location spaced from its pivot connection to the frame andextends around suitable guide means. An actuator adapted for mounting tothe trailer at an accessible location thereon is provided and includesoperable parts which are connected to the flexible connector means andwhich upon actuation cause a shifting of the connector means andresulting movement of each jack between stored and operative positions.The actuator. also includes a jack-actuating means operatively connectedto the jacks to cause extension and ground engagement of the jack podswhen the jacks are placed in their operative positions and to furthercause retraction of the pods in preparation for shifting the jacks intotheir stored positions.

Through the operation of the jack-actuating means, which preferablyincludes a hydraulic pump in association with a spring return on thepiston assembly of each jack, the trailer may be stabilized and, ifdesired, leveled so as to allow, as in the case of mobile homes, for theproper functioning and use of such household apparatus as refrigeratorsand stoves. The movement of the jacks from stored and operativepositions and the extension and retraction of the jack pods arecentrally controlled through the actuator which is attached to thetrailer at a location which is easily accessible to the trailer user. Atno time is it necessary to handset the jacks in preparation for thestabilizing operation. All controls for utilizing the stabilizing andleveling apparatus are contained in a control box uniquely designed witha hinged cover which incorporates a means for locking the jacks in theirstored positions when the cover is closed.

It is an object of this invention to provide means mountable to atrailer or similar vehicle and which includes pivotal jack assembliesmounted at opposite sides of the trailer and engageable with the groundfor stabilizing and leveling the trailer.

Another object of this invention is to provide stabilizing and levelingapparatus which is mountable to a trailer or similar vehicle and whichis actuatable through a convenient trailermounted control box.

Another object of this invention is to provide apparatus mountable tothe frame of a trailer or similar vehicle and which includes jackassemblies pivotable relative to the frame between stored and operativepositions and actuator means remotely positioned from the jackassemblies for causing said jack assemblies to be pivoted between saidoperative and stored positions and to be extended when in said operativepositions so as to engage the ground and produce a trailer-sta-.bilizing effect.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent upon a reading ofthe inventions description.

v BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS,

A preferred embodiment of this invention has been chosen for purposes ofillustration and description wherein:

FIG. I is a perspective view of a trailer frame as seen from belowhaving the stabilizing apparatus of this invention mounted thereto andshown in operative position.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the hydraulic control system of thisinvention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of that portion of the stabilizerapparatus which is encircled by broken line 3 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of that portion of thestabilizing apparatus which is enclosed by broken line 4 in FIG. 1

FIG. 5 is a view of the apparatus components illustrated in FIG. 4showing the cover thereof open and the parts therein in operativeposition.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of the stabilizer apparatus as seen alongline 6-6 of FIG. 1 with parts thereof removed for purposes ofillustration.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view of the stabilizer apparatus shown in FIG. 6with the jack assembly thereof in stored position.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The preferred embodimentillustrated is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention tothe precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its application andpractical use to thereby enable others skilled in the art to bestutilize the invention.

The stabilizer apparatus of this invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 asbeing mounted to a trailer frame 10 having spaced longitudinal supports12, transverse supports 14, and convergent supports 16 extendingforwardly from the forwardmost transverse support 14 of the frame andjoined by a coupler 18. Suspension spring and axle assembly 20 isattached to frame 10 and mounts wheels 22 which are located at theopposite sides of the frame. A tongue jack 24 is preferably attached tocoupler 1 8.

Mounted at each side of trailer frame 10, preferably to the underside ofa longitudinal support 12 and just rearwardly of the adjacent wheel 22,is an inverted U-shaped channel member 26. Each channel member 26 ispositioned transversely relative to the frame and oppositely of eachother and includes an outer end portion 28 which preferably projectslaterally outwardly from the frame. Each channel member 26 may beattached to a longitudinal support 12 by welding or by bolting. An anglebar or similar support 32 extends between the inner end portions 30 ofeach channel member 26 and is connected thereto by means of bolts 34.

A jack assembly 36 is pivotally mounted to each channel member 26,preferably under or just outwardly of the connecting longitudinalsupport 12. Each jack assembly 36 includes a power delivery means, suchas a cylinder part 38 and a piston 42, slidably disposed therein.Cylinder part 38 has a closed end 39 which is disposed with clearancebetween the sides of a channel member 26 and journaled about a connectorpin 40 which extends through member 26 so as to cause the jack assemblyto be pivoted about a substantially horizontal axis and in asubstantially vertical plane transversely oriented relative to thetrailer frame. Piston 42 includes an actuator rod 44 which extendsaxially from the open end of cylinder 38 and which has attached to thefree end thereof a ball and socket connector 46. The ball 48 ofconnector 46 is preferably rigidly mounted to the free end of actuatorrod 44 has a socket part 50 pivotally connected thereto. Socket part 50preferably includes a disc-shaped pod or foot 52. A flexible bellows 54surrounds the extended portion of actuator rod 44 and has one endconnected to the open end of cylinder 38 and the other end connected toball part 48 of connector 46 so as to prevent the actuator rod and innerparts of the jack assembly from being contaminated by road dirt duringuse of the trailer. A fitting 56 for receiving one end of a conduit ismounted to the cylinder 38 above piston 42 and serves as an inlet forthe jack actuating fluid. A helical spring 58 surrounds each actuatorrod 44 and is disposed within cylinder 38 below piston 42 with one endthereof abutting piston 42 and its opposite end engaging an actuator rodguide means 60 disposed within the cylinder.

A guide pulley 62 is mounted at the outer end portion 28 of each channelmember 26. Each guide pulley 62 is preferably positioned within member26 outwardly of the jack assembly pivot connection and adjacent one sideedge thereof by means of a bracket 64, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. A wirecable 66 has one end attached to cylinder 38 of each jack assembly 36,preferably about fitting 56, and extends therefrom around the adjacentguide pulley 62 along channel member 26 where its opposite end isattached to a helical spring 68 disposed within the channel member. Apair of laterally spaced guide pulleys 72 are preferably mounted toangle bar 32 in the middle of the trailer frame. A wire cable 70 isconnected at each end portion thereof to the opposite end of each spring68. A bight portion 74 of cable 70 extends between and around guidepulleys 72 and forwardly thereof. Each end portion of cable 70 ispreferably looped around the hooked end 69 of spring 68 and securedthereto by a clamp 71. The free end part 76 of each looped cable endportion is attached to a channel member 26 by a bolt 78 and has aselected length, the function of which will be later described. lt is tobe understood that cable end parts 76 may be of separate constructionhaving the ends thereof connected to springs 68 and bolts 78.

The bight portion 74 of cable 70 is trained about a pulley 80 which isattached to and joumaled about one end of a wire cable 82. Cable 82extends forwardly of trailer frame from pulley 80 and terminates withits other end portion connected to a lever 84 constituting part of anactuator assembly 86 which is mounted to a frame support 16 or at asimilar convenient location on the trailer.

Actuator assembly 86 includes a control box defined by a receptacle orhousing 88 and a cover 128. Housing 88 includes side panels 90, a backpanel 92 and a base 94 which is secured to support 16 by bolts 96 orsimilar securement means. A bracket 98 is mounted to back panel 92 ofhousing 88 and includes spaced upper and lower flange parts 100 havingaligned apertures 102 (only one shown) therein. A cable guide 104 isattached to a side panel 90 of housing 88 and serves to slidably receivethe forward end portion of cable 82 adjacent to the connection of thecable to lever 84. Mounted in housing 88 is a pump 106, a valve 110, anda container or reservoir 108 for the storage of hydraulic fluid. Pump106 may be of the standard hydraulic type having a pivoted socketmounting 114 which when rocked actuates an internal piston (not shown)and causes fluid within container 108 to pass through valve 110 andconduits 112 which interconnect valve 110 with fittings 56 of the jackassemblies and into jack cylinders 38 causing the extension of actuatorrods 44 and the simultaneous compression of springs 58 circledthereabout. Valve 110 includes an actuating handle 116 and is of any ofa variety of well-known constructions which upon selected positioning ofits handle 116 permits each jack pod 52 of be extended or retractedsimultaneously with or independently of the other by regulating thehydraulic fluid flow between pump 106 and the jack assemblies andbetween the jack assemblies and container 108. Lever 84 to which one endof cable 82 is attached preferably comprises a rigid arm having endparts 118 and 120 extending at substantially a right angle to each otherand a lug 122 projecting from the bend or elbow of the arm. Lug 122 ispivotally connected by means ofa pin 124 to the outer surface ofa sidepanel 90 of housing 88. One end of cable 82 is connected to the free endof end part 118 so as to be shiftable as lever 84 is pivoted about pin'124. Lever 84 is so constructed and arranged that when end part 118extends substantially vertically upwardly with the attached end of cable82 pulled upwardly and positioned forwardly relative to the housing overthe axis of pin 124, end part 120 of the lever is positionedsubstantially horizontally and projects forwardly of housing 88 restingupon a stop 126 attached to side panel 90, as illustrated in the solidlines of FIG. 9. A cover 128 having side panels 130, a front panel 132,and a top panel 134 is pivotally connected to housing 88 at the lowerfront edge thereof. Cover 128 is adapted to enclose the open top andfront of housing 88 overlapping with clearance lever 84 pivotallymounted to the outer surface of a side panel of housing 88. Top panel134 of cover 128 includes a flange part 136 which has an aperture 138therein and which, when the cover is closed, engages upper flange partof bracket 98 attached to housing 88 with cover aperture 138 andaperture 102 in the engaging flange part in registry. Front panel 132 ofcover 128 has an opening 140 formed therein which, when the cover isclosed, receives projecting end part of lever 84 thereby preventingpivotal movement of lever 84 about pin 124. An elongated handle 142 isprovided for actuating pump 106 and to assist in turning lever 84.Handle 142 has a grip 144 mounted over one end and is preferably of atubular construction. As illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 9, theother end 143 of handle 142 is adapted to fit within the socket portionof pump mounting 1 14 to facilitate actuation of the pump and to fitover the extended end part 120 of lever 84 to facilitate turning of thelever. Handle 142 when not in use is inserted through aperture 138 incover 128 and apertures 102 in bracket 98 mounted to housing 88, asillustrated in solid lines in FIG. 9, with grip 144 engaging bracket 98,thereby serving to lock cover 128 in a closed position and thuspreventing lever 84 from being disengaged from opening in the cover.

To operate the stabilizing and leveling apparatus of this invention, thetrailer is parked in a selected location and is preferably disconnectedfrom its towing vehicle. The trailer is then preferably leveled fore andaft by actuation of tongue jack 247 It is to be understood, of course,that is is not necessary to disconnect the trailer from the towingvehicle in order to use this invention. Handle 142 is removed fromactuator assembly 86 and cover 128 thereof pivoted forwardly relative tothe actuator assembly, thereby exposing pump 106 and associatedequipment in housing 88 and freeing lever 84 for turning. The opentubular end 143 of handle 142 is positioned over the protruding end part120 of lever 84 and swung upwardly and rearwardly relative to housing 88until end part 118 of lever 84 to which cable 82 is attached is pointingvertically downwardly, thus releasing the tension in cable 82. Upon therelease of cable 82, jack assemblies 36 simultaneously pivot about pins40 and shift from their stored positions, as illustrated in FIG. 8, totheir operative positions, as best illustrated in FIG. 6. interconnectedcables 66, 70 and 82 are preferably formed of wire and, consequently,have little or no elasticity, thereby making it necessary to insertsprings 68 within the cable connection between the actuating assemblyand jack assemblies so as to permit some give in the cable connection aslever 84 causes the connected end of cable 82 to be positionedovercenter relative to lever pivot 124. Springs 68 are of sufficientstiffness to firmly hold the jack assemblies in their stored andoperative positions. Each jack assembly 36 preferably projectsdownwardly and outwardly relative to the trailer frame when in itsoperative position and is so located by end portion 76 of cable 70 whichserves as a jack assembly stop means.

Once jack assemblies 36 are in their operative positions, handle 116 ofvalve 110 is turned to provide'fluid communication between pump 106 andcylinder 38 of each jack assembly. Handle 142 is removed from lever 84and inserted into socket mounting 114 of the pump. Actuation of pump 106by handle 142 causes the extension of actuator rods 44 and the contactof the pods 52 thereof with the ground. Due to the unevenness of theground, it may be necessary to adjust valve 110 so as to extend only oneactuator rod at a time until all pods engage the ground. By having thejack assemblies outwardly inclined relative to the trailer frame, thecontact of the pods with the ground creates opposed upwardly andinwardly directed trailer-stabilizing forces. Additionally, each jackassembly 36 is preferably of sufficient strength to lift a side of thetrailer off the ground and thereby cause side-to-side leveling of thetrailer, if desired. Once the proper stabilization and valve '110 ismoved to closed'position, thereby locking the jack" assemblies inposition.

When it is desired-to move the trailer, handle 116 of valve 110is'positioned so as to permit the flow of hydraulic fluid from jackassemblies 36 into container 108. First'the weight of vthe trailer andthen the action of springs 58 in the jack assemblies cause actuator rods44 to retract, thereby disengaging pods 52 from the ground. When eachactuator rod 44 is fully retracted, as illustrated in FIG. 8,- handle116 of the valve is closed. l-landle 142 is then repositioned over leverend part 120 and the handle swung upwardly and forwardly relative to theactuator'assembly from the broken-line position to the solid-lineposition of FIG. 9, therebyicausing cables 82, 70 and 66 to swingeachjaclt assembly from its operative position as shown in FIG. 6' toits stored position as shown in'FlG. 8. Handle 142 is removed from lever84 and cover 128 closed. The handle 142 is then reinserted throughaperture 138 and apertures 102 in the cover and housing partsrespectively of the actuator assembly, thereby locking the cover andlever 84 in position.i a r '.lack assemblies 36 are 'So.p0sitionedrelative to longitudinal supports 12 of'trailer frame l0that, when-i itheir stored positions, pods 52 thereof are preferably located inwardlyof the outline of the sides of the trailer.

What I claim is: v i I v 1. Apparatus mountableto the frame of a traileror a like vehicle for stabilizing said trailer when parked comprising:

A pair of jacks each having a housing part and a ground-engageable footpart projecting from one end of. said housing part and shiftable betweenextended and retracted positions relative to said housing part;

means for positioning said jacks at opposite sides of said trailer withthe housing part of each jack pivotally connected, to said trailer frameso as to be swingable between stored and operative positions;

a control box attachable to said trailer; first and second actuatormeans carried by said control box;

a flexible connector interconnecting said jacks and said f rst actuatormeans, said flexible connector being shiftable operation of said firstactuator means to. cause pivotal movement of said jacks between storedand operative positions thereof;

each jack including apower delivery means which upon actuation causesthe foot part associated therewith to'shift between said extended andretracted positions; and

said second actuator means being operatively connected to each powerdelivery means for causing said actuation of said delivery means.

2. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 wherein each power deliverymeans includes a-cylinder and a piston having a said foot part connectedthereto shiftable within said cylinder, said second actuator meansincluding a hydraulic pump and conduits connecting said pump to saidcylinder, said pump upon actuation serving to direct hydraulic fluidcontained within said pump into each cylinder for causing shifting ofsaid piston therein. I

- 3. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 and including support meansadapted to extend transversely of said trailer for connection to saidframe adjacent the underside thereof, said support means includinginverted U-shapedchannel portions adapted for positioning at oppositesides of said trailer, each housing part having its opposite enddisposed within a said channel portion between the sidewalls thereof andpivotally connected thereto.

4. The stabilizing apparatus-of claim 3 wherein the pivot connection'ofeach housingpart is spaced inwardly from the outer margin of saidconnecting channel portion, guide means connected to each channelportion and located outwardly from the housing part pivot connectionthereto, said flexible connector including cables each having one endportion trained over a said guide means and connected to a said hous ingpart at a location thereon spaced. from the pivot connection of thehousing part. v

5. The stabilizing apparatus of claim'4 wherein each jack when'shiftedinto its stored position is received within said connecting channelportion between the sides thereof,

6; The stabilizing apparatus of claim 5 and stop means'connected to eachchannel portion for positioning said connected jack in a downwardlyinclined, outwardly directed orientation relative to said frame whensaid jack is in its operative position. 7 H J 7. Thestabilizingapparatus of claim 1 wherein said. jacks are'adapte'd to beoppositely positioned'on said trailer with each jack swingable in asubstantially vertical plane between said stored position in which thejack is outwardly directed relative to said frame in substantiallyhorizontal'orientation and said operative position in which the jack isoutwardly directed relative to said frame in a downwardly inclinedorientation. Y

8. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first actuatormeans includes a lever pivoted to said control box and having aprotruding handle part, said flexible connector being attached tosaidlever so as to be shiftable upon pivotal movement of said lever byactuation of its handle part, said control box including a cover havingan opening therein, said handle part being received within said coveropening and restricted from movement so as to prevent movement of saidlever when the jacks are in their stored positions and the cover closed,

; and means locking said cover closed.

9. The jack apparatus of claim 8 wherein said second actuator meansincludes an elongated detachable actuating handle, said control boxincluding a receptacle having a panel part withan aperture therein, saidcover being hinged to said receptacle and having an aperture thereinwhich registers with the aperture in said receptacle when said coverisclosed, said detachable lever being adapted for insertion through saidregistering apertures to lock said cover closed.

1. Apparatus mountable to the frame of a trailer or a like vehicle forstabilizing said trailer when parKed comprising: A pair of jacks eachhaving a housing part and a groundengageable foot part projecting fromone end of said housing part and shiftable between extended andretracted positions relative to said housing part; means for positioningsaid jacks at opposite sides of said trailer with the housing part ofeach jack pivotally connected to said trailer frame so as to beswingable between stored and operative positions; a control boxattachable to said trailer; first and second actuator means carried bysaid control box; a flexible connector interconnecting said jacks andsaid first actuator means, said flexible connector being shiftable onoperation of said first actuator means to cause pivotal movement of saidjacks between stored and operative positions thereof; each jackincluding a power delivery means which upon actuation causes the footpart associated therewith to shift between said extended and retractedpositions; and said second actuator means being operatively connected toeach power delivery means for causing said actuation of said deliverymeans.
 2. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 wherein each powerdelivery means includes a cylinder and a piston having a said foot partconnected thereto shiftable within said cylinder, said second actuatormeans including a hydraulic pump and conduits connecting said pump tosaid cylinder, said pump upon actuation serving to direct hydraulicfluid contained within said pump into each cylinder for causing shiftingof said piston therein.
 3. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 andincluding support means adapted to extend transversely of said trailerfor connection to said frame adjacent the underside thereof, saidsupport means including inverted U-shaped channel portions adapted forpositioning at opposite sides of said trailer, each housing part havingits opposite end disposed within a said channel portion between thesidewalls thereof and pivotally connected thereto.
 4. The stabilizingapparatus of claim 3 wherein the pivot connection of each housing partis spaced inwardly from the outer margin of said connecting channelportion, guide means connected to each channel portion and locatedoutwardly from the housing part pivot connection thereto, said flexibleconnector including cables each having one end portion trained over asaid guide means and connected to a said housing part at a locationthereon spaced from the pivot connection of the housing part.
 5. Thestabilizing apparatus of claim 4 wherein each jack when shifted into itsstored position is received within said connecting channel portionbetween the sides thereof.
 6. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 5 andstop means connected to each channel portion for positioning saidconnected jack in a downwardly inclined, outwardly directed orientationrelative to said frame when said jack is in its operative position. 7.The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said jacks are adapted tobe oppositely positioned on said trailer with each jack swingable in asubstantially vertical plane between said stored position in which thejack is outwardly directed relative to said frame in substantiallyhorizontal orientation and said operative position in which the jack isoutwardly directed relative to said frame in a downwardly inclinedorientation.
 8. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said firstactuator means includes a lever pivoted to said control box and having aprotruding handle part, said flexible connector being attached to saidlever so as to be shiftable upon pivotal movement of said lever byactuation of its handle part, said control box including a cover havingan opening therein, said handle part being received within said coveropening and restricted from movement so as to prevent movement of saidlever when the jacks are in their stored positions and the cover closed,and means locking said cover closed.
 9. The jack apparatus of claim 8wherein said second actuator means includes an elongated detachableactuating handle, said control box including a receptacle having a panelpart with an aperture therein, said cover being hinged to saidreceptacle and having an aperture therein which registers with theaperture in said receptacle when said cover is closed, said detachablelever being adapted for insertion through said registering apertures tolock said cover closed.